In her reflections on her first year as CEO of WithinReach, Sharon Silver shares key insights into the organization’s growth and commitment to equity, prevention, and leadership development. She highlights the importance of centering families and amplifying lived experience in shaping systemic reform, particularly through initiatives like the Plan of Safe Care and Targeted Universalism.

We are excited to announce Guita Taheri as the first recipient of the Kay Knox Fellowship at the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Policy & Governance. Inspired by her father’s experience receiving nonprofit support after escaping the Iranian Revolution, Guita is passionate about creating programs that help underserved communities thrive.

As Washington grapples with a growing child care crisis, voters are demanding action. With soaring costs and limited access to care, families are struggling, and the need for bold, immediate investment has never been clearer. Recent polling shows a strong majority of Washington voters support significant reforms to make child care more affordable and accessible.

According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s office, parents are under unprecedented pressure. Many parents report experiencing significant stress compared to other adults, often struggling with time demands, financial instability, and the health and safety of their children.